Hunt & Live

Carroll County, IN

20,555 residents · 372 sq mi · 55.2/sq mi · 95% rural

Climate
51.2°F
41.1" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.74
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~8°F

About Carroll County

Carroll County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 20,306. The county seat is Delphi. Other towns within the county include Flora, Burlington, Camden, Cutler, Bringhurst and Deer Creek. Carroll County is part of the Lafayette, Indiana, Metropolitan Statistical Area.

49
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1579 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a primarily rural landscape with a population density of 55.2 people per square mile, allowing for ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 51.2°F and 41.1 inches of rainfall, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 7b. However, the presence of drought and cold wave risks may necessitate careful planning for water management and crop selection.

Natural hazards in the county include drought (60), hail (53), and cold waves (53), which could impact agricultural productivity and overall comfort. The area has a moderate violence percentile of 22, indicating a relatively safer environment, but the overall disaster percentile of 29 suggests some vulnerability to natural events. Additionally, while the median home price is accessible at $152,900, 48% broadband subscription indicates limited connectivity, which could be a concern for remote work or online resources.

This county may be a good fit for those seeking a rural lifestyle with a focus on agriculture and self-sufficiency, particularly individuals who can adapt to the local climate and manage its risks. However, those who rely heavily on technology or seek urban amenities may find the limited broadband access and rural isolation challenging. A hidden gem for homesteaders is the low property tax rate of 0.60%, which can support financial sustainability in the long run.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #707 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#18 of 92 in IN
Ranked #18 of 92 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 60/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
55.2 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 51.2°F annual mean and 41.1" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $152,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
67
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
29
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
56
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
29.6
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 53
Drought 60
Earthquake 47
Hail 53
Hurricane 30
Heat Wave 36
Riverine Flood 47
Ice Storm 19
Landslide 48
Lightning 15
Strong Wind 39
Tornado 43
Wildfire 7
Winter Weather 35

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
84°F
Winter low
18°F
Heating degree days
5,864
Cooling degree days
867

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$152,900
Median HH income
$61,464
Price to income
2.5×
Property tax rate
0.6%
~$920/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.1
Homeownership
79.4%
Poverty rate
7.3%
Unemployment
3.1%

Connectivity

Broadband households
48.5%
No internet access
16.5%

Explore Carroll County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.